Short Food Supply Chain: simulation game format

Aims of the tool

- Help young people understand how food travels from local farms to consumers, and appreciate the people, steps and decisions in between.

- Raise awareness about the value of short food supply chains — how they support farmers, protect the environment and strengthen communities.

- Make learning active and fun: by playing a simulation, participants engage, collaborate and experience real-life scenarios rather than just reading about them.

- Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving as players face choices and challenges in the game, reflecting real-world food system issues.

- Promote cross-cultural understanding: the game settings reflect different European countries’ supply chains, helping players see how local context matters.

- Support educators and youth workers in facilitating meaningful discussions around food sustainability, supply chains and local consumption.

Description of the tool

This simulation game format offers young people a hands-on journey into the world of short food supply chains. Before playing, participants are introduced to the concept of local food networks and the steps that bring produce from farms to our tables. With this foundation, they then step into the game: navigating cards or scenarios that represent different European countries, making decisions, overcoming challenges, experiencing the ripple-effects of those decisions on farmers, consumers and the environment.

PLAY NOW: https://closertofarm.eu/short-food-supply-chain-simulation-game-format/